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Shepard Bushiri, his wife Mary and two of his other co-defendants were released on bail in Pretoria Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Members of the Enlightened Christian Encounter (ECG) rallied in support of the self-proclaimed prophet, Shepherd Bushiri, and his wife Mary Bushiri, who appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates Court on October 21, 2020 on charges of fraud and money laundering. Image: Xanderleigh Dookey / EWN
PRETORIA – The National Tax Authority (NPA) said Wednesday it accepted the Pretoria Magistrates Court ruling in the Shepherd Bushiri fraud and money laundering case.
Bushiri, his wife Mary and two of his other co-defendants have been released on bail.
They are charged with fraud amounting to some 102 million rand.
The NPA welcomed the court’s ruling despite the decision to bail Bushiris out.
The state had argued that the couple’s visas had discrepancies and questioned the legitimacy of their permanent residence in South Africa.
Magistrate Thandi Theledi said there was no reason to believe the defendants would flee.
“The state has presented allegations that defendants number 4 and 5 have disposed of their property and their vehicles; However, no evidence was presented to the court to substantiate the sale; reference was made to a certain website. “
Meanwhile, the self-proclaimed prophet Paseka Mboro Motsoeneng said he had dreamed that Bushiri would get bail.
“Everything I dream about happens. I was praying that ECG would make corrections, and the things I was complaining about would be resolved and the defamation case against me dropped. “
The group of Bushiri supporters dispersed from outside the magistrates court on Francis Baard Street after waiting outside the court during proceedings Wednesday.
BUSHIRI A FREE MAN … FOR NOW
Bushiri is a free man for now and will remain out of prison for as long as he maintains his permanent residence.
The remaining defendant, Willah Mudolo, only made his intention to request bail known on Wednesday, and his hearing was postponed to Friday.
Magistrate Theledi based her decision to bail the Bushiri on their permanent residence.
“That state remains a concern for the state and is under investigation, but the fact is that the state still stands today.”
But he said if his residency is terminated, Section 68 of the Criminal Procedures Act would apply.
Professor Cathy Powell at the University of Cape Town School of Public Law said that terminating their residency would automatically put them at risk of flight.
What the magistrate has done is anticipate that eventuality. The moment their residence is removed, they will be arrested again and held in custody to protect the criminal process so that they can actually take place. “
The defendant will return to Pretoria Magistrates Court on Friday to request bail for Willah Mudolo.
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